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Dropbox and OneDrive overlap, when trying to back up my files
My Documents folder has all my working files, and I have uploaded it to Dropbox (10 GB data). I created this folder a few years ago because I wanted my files on the hard drive only and did not want to use the Documents system folder that sync with OneDrive. Now I am trying to set up the Backup. But I just found out that Dropbox cannot see the Documents file folder that I had created folder, it can only see System folders. Should I move my subfolders into the Documents system folder on my PC and the set the backup? Since I did not upload from the Documents system folder originally, will the Backup run into issues with the folders (from my Documents file folder) that I have already uploaded to Dropbox?
Hey again, Runnerdad!
As per the syncing icons that you mention on your desktop app, you can take a look at this article for more info. If you have any follow-up questions though, please let me know.
Also, thanks for the screenshot that you sent!
Can you send me one more screenshot of what you see after right clicking on the folders you wish to back up with Dropbox and going to their Properties? This will help me understand whether they’re still being accessed by OneDrive.
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- Walter
Dropbox Community Moderator
Hi Runnerdad, thanks for joining our Community!
To directly get to the chase, you're spot on on your assumption. You should copy or move any files or folders that want to be backed up to Dropbox into one of the OS folders that are supported (i.e. Desktop, Downloads and Documents) and then enable the computer backup feature as outlined here.
And no, there should be no issues with the folders you've already uploaded to Dropbox in the past.
Let us know if you have any other questions!
- thanks will give that a try!
I had no problem moving my folders into Documents (system folder). I tried to sync but Dropbox must have seen a copy of OneDrive backup on my PC and got the error message. Next I stopped the Sync to OneDrive, and I uninstalled OneDrive from my computer and restarted my computer (Windows 10). I tried the Dropbox backup feature 3 times and got the same message each time: "Can't backup to both OneDrive and Dropbox" and it says to Remove Documents from OneDrive and try again. I searched for OneDrive on my PC and it does not exist. I'd appreciate any further recommendations as I'd guess this has happened before. Thanks!
- Hannah
Hey Runnerdad, sorry to jump in here.
Would you mind reinstalling OneDrive and then following the steps below, to unlink it from your computer, and see if that helps?
- Select the white or blue OneDrive cloud icon in the taskbar.
- Select Help & Settings > Settings.
- On the Account tab, click Unlink this PC and then Unlink account.
Thanks Hanna, I appreciate the suggestion but it did not seem to work for me. I'm new to Dropbox, is this the best way to get support? Thanks again, David
Here is the status of OneDrive after unlinking my PC:
Maybe this is related to backups- when I download research files into my Documents system folder (which is also saved on Dropbox) I get the message below. Only if I select "Move out of Dropbox", does the file not get deleted. What does this mean?
- Hannah
When you say that you download files to your Documents folder, can you clarify that please?
Are you downloading files directly to that folder, or are you moving the downloaded files from the Downloads system folder to Documents, and then you get this pop-up?
Hannah, I keep all my files in the Documents system folder shown below in different sub folders and do not move documents. Thanks, David
another screenshot with Dropbox expanded. I use the folder under This PC that is highlighted in blue, that's when I get the popup message from Dropbox
